January 7, 2013

College mourns loss of Charles Dawson

Longtime Columbus State administrator Charles Dawson, 64, lost his battle with cancer January 1 surrounded by his family at Kobacker House. Dawson had worked at Columbus State since 1987 when he was hired in the Counseling Center.  He also served as director of Career Services for many years and had recently retired from the Admissions Department were he was a supervisor.

Dawson was a graduate of Morris-Harvey College at the University of Charleston and earned his master’s degree from Marshall University.  He is survived by his wife, April; son, Charles Robert Dawson Jr.; daughters, Shawnda (Charles) Lyte and Shayla Dawson; brother, Elvin (Joyce) Dawson; grandson, Nyal Dawson; mother, Ophelia Dawson; and many other relatives and friends.

Members of the Admissions Department recently shared some thoughts about their friend and coworker:
“Charles was a father figure, role model, and mentor to students and staff alike and took those roles very seriously.  A genuinely selfless man of high integrity, his focus was always on others and his greatest pleasures came in seeing others succeed.  He thought the best of people, paid attention to what they needed, and took time to support them in whatever way he could.  His calm, gentle, caring, and trustworthy nature made him very approachable and people valued and sought his wisdom. 

“Charles was a well-respected man with high principles and admirable dignity.  Charles’ ability to roll with changes and contribute to the college in his various positions was well-appreciated. He never wavered in giving of himself to his faith, family, friends, coworkers, and students.  What we all loved most about him was his big heart, his consistently positive attitude, and a spirit that warmed everyone who knew him.  Whether it was helping others with a career choice, providing advice and encouragement, sharing a humorous story or favorite dish, recommending a good restaurant, or talking about the Buckeyes, he was there just simply being the Charles we were so fond of. He was beloved by many, and will be sorely missed.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. today, Monday, January 7, at Second Baptist Church, 186 N. 17 St.  The family will receive friends 10 a.m. until time of service. Friends may sign condolences at www.garymemorialchapel.com.

Professor researches the smallest (and oldest) of fossils in Ohio

Dr. Jeff Richardson, associate professor of biological and physical sciences, has found Ohio’s oldest known fossils—850 million years old—which also happen to be visible only by microscope!

Dr. Jeff Richardson

Richardson’s research is what led to the fossils’ discovery a number of years ago. He works in a branch of geology known as palynology – the study of acid-resistant microfossils. He often looks at spores that are a mere 350 million years old. “However, there’s been a push in the palynology community to look for even older microfossils,” said Richardson.

The 850 million-year-old fossil spores are visible only under microscope.

“While drilling a borehole several kilometers below Ohio’s surface back in 1990, a new rock known as Middle Run Formation was discovered,” said Richardson.  “That type of rock was perfect for preserving microfossils. After processing, the Kentucky Geological Service determined they were organic-walled microfossils that document Ohio had life about 800 million years ago.”

Richardson used the microscopic fossils during a presentation last summer in Lexington for the annual meeting of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists.

Crosswalk signal coming to Cleveland Avenue and Grove Street

It’s still a few months away, but Columbus State will eventually have a pedestrian traffic signal for the crosswalk on Cleveland Avenue at Grove Street. And that’s not the only change. The city will be widening that half-block section of roadway to six lanes. It will include a left turn lane on southbound Cleveland Avenue to Grove Street.
A cement barrier will also be put in the middle of the road which will lead to some minor traffic pattern changes. All of the construction will start in a few months and it’s expected to be finished by late summer, 2013.

 
Using financial aid at the Bookstore

Financial Aid Book Allowance funds are the student’s financial aid funds (Pell, Direct Loans, Scholarships, etc.) minus tuition and related fees for the term, up to $800.  For Spring Semester 2013, these funds will be available from January 8 through January 23, 2013. 

Online orders using financial aid funds must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on January 22, 2013.  Students are notified via email when their credit balance is available at the Columbus State Bookstore. Students are not required to use these services.  Students may choose to purchase textbooks and course materials outside of the Columbus State Bookstore with their non-Columbus State Financial Aid funds. Funds not used at the Columbus State Bookstore will be released with remaining financial aid credit balances on/about January 25, 2013.

Additional information:

• Please view www.cscc.edu/disbursement for more information, including a FAQ link.
  

• Online students who reside outside of Columbus State’s four-county service areas may have purchases shipped to their home.  All applicable shipping charges apply.
  

• Students may order required books and supplies online for free shipping to Delaware, Westerville, Gahanna, Dublin, Southwest at Bolton Field, Reynoldsburg, and the Columbus Campus.  Students should allow 2-3 business days before picking up orders. 
  

• First-time loan borrowers and other students who do not have up to $800 available at the Columbus State Bookstore may contact the Financial Aid Office or the Delaware Campus Student Service area to inquire about their specific options.
  

• Faculty members can assist students by providing a listing of all required course materials (books, software, etc.) to the Columbus State Bookstore when submitting textbook listings for each term.  Courses without a required textbook or materials should also be reported to the Columbus State Bookstore. 
  

If you have more questions, please contact Student Accounting at ext. 5658.

Four-part retirement seminar series offered in February

A Financial Wellness Seminar Series called “Retirewise” will be offered free to employees and their spouses on Tuesday evenings in February. Retirewise is a retirement planning program offered by MetLife. The dates are February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2013 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in WD 409. It is important to attend all sessions in the series to receive the complete planning information.  You can register for the seminar series by going online to metlifeplansmart.com and entering CSCC or by calling (866)801-3547. For additional information contact Nichole Bowman-Glover, Wellness coordinator, nbowmag@cscc.edu, ext. 3989.

New student parking available in 34S


Additional parking spaces for students have been opened up in the new lot west of Delaware Hall. Approximately 40 parking spots and 7 motorcycle spots, plus some spaces reserved for Public Safety are now available. The space was opened up to allow access by heavy equipment during the construction project on Union Hall.